Ever limped into Emergency in severe pain only to walk out with zero tests? No bloodwork, no urine sample, no imaging—just a vague shrug and a “follow up with your GP”?

Same.

When you don’t look “sick enough,” it’s shockingly easy to be dismissed. But your symptoms are real, and you deserve proper care. Here are some ways to help ensure you’re heard, taken seriously, and properly assessed:

Come Prepared (Even in a Crisis)

Have a brief symptom summary or note on your phone that lists:

• your medical history

• diagnoses (even suspected ones)

• recent tests

• your biggest concerns

It saves you from repeating yourself through pain or brain fog. I keep a folder ready to go for emergencies—my husband just grabs it on the way out the door. Most of the time, the emergency I’m presenting with is directly tied to something I’m currently being investigated for, or my connective-tissue-disorder history gives important context that helps them triage me faster.

And I learned this the hard way. I’ve gone to the ER before, explained exactly what was happening, and still waited three hours — until a doctor finally asked for evidence, looked at the report, and took me straight in. If I’d handed that report to the triage nurse right at the start, it probably would’ve saved hours… and a lot of stress.

Use Clear, Specific Language

Vague descriptions get vague responses. Specific, concrete language communicates urgency. Instead of “I don’t feel well,” try:

• “I’m experiencing severe [pain/numbness/nausea], and it’s affecting my ability to [walk/eat/stay conscious].”

• “My pain is a 9/10, it’s escalating, and I’m concerned this could be something acute.”

• “This is not normal for me—these symptoms are new or significantly worse.”

And if you have a genuine suspicion, say it plainly:

• “I’m concerned this could be vascular—there’s a known compression in this area.”

• “My specialist instructed me to come to ED if this symptom worsened.”

• “I’ve had a CSF leak before, and this headache feels very similar.”

  
  

It won’t always work—I've been dismissed even when I advocated fiercely and later proven right—but giving doctors clear, concise information can make a real difference.

Bring an Advocate When Possible

A partner, friend, or family member can:

• keep track of what’s said

• ask questions

• advocate when you’re too overwhelmed or in too much pain

For a suspected CSF leak, I was dismissed despite my GP sending me in. My partner pulled up medical literature showing hEDS patients commonly experience CSF leaks—and suddenly I was taken more seriously. When you’re too unwell to push, let someone else push for you.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say…

• “I understand it’s rare, but rare doesn’t mean impossible.”

• “What are the potential consequences if this is [condition] and you send me home right now?”

• “I’m not comfortable leaving without proper investigation. Could I speak with the senior doctor?”

Requesting a senior doctor has gotten me additional testing before—sometimes that’s what it takes.

Build a Paper Trail

If you can, jot down names, times, and key statements. And if something is declined, calmly ask:

“Can you document in my file that I presented with these symptoms, that I requested [X], and that it was declined?” 

This phrase changes energy fast.

Validate Yourself

The system is flawed. You know your body. You know when something is wrong. Trust that. The triage team and doctors won’t face the consequences if your emergency is missed—they won’t live with the long-term damage. You will. So don’t be easily talked out of your own instincts. Advocate for yourself fiercely—you’re the one who has to live in your body.

When to Try Alternatives — and When to Go Straight to Emergency

If you’re in Australia, you do have a few options besides heading straight to ED:

• Urgent care centres

• Nurse-on-call hotlines

• Virtual ED services

• After-hours GP clinics

  
  

These can be great for things like infections, worsening chronic symptoms, medication issues, or when you’re unsure how serious something is. But here’s the honest part: I’ve waited in urgent care before, only to be told I actually needed Emergency. I’ve sat in virtual ED queues, only to be redirected to a physical ED anyway.

So while these services are helpful, they’re not always the final stop — especially for complex, rare, or multisystem conditions. That’s why preparing for Emergency matters, even if it’s not where you hoped to end up.

You shouldn’t have to fight to be taken seriously when you’re scared, unwell, and seeking help. These tools don’t guarantee perfect care, but they stack the odds in your favour — and sometimes, that’s the difference between going home unheard and being properly assessed. You deserve to be believed. You deserve thorough care. And you deserve a system that recognises your body as well as you do.